The first step to maintaining a pristine lawn is to select a good lawn mower. So we researched mowers available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Amazon and compared each model’s performance, features, and ease of use. After comprehensive analysis, we found the 10 best lawn mowers on the market right now.
Our list includes gas and electric models appropriate for small, medium, and large yards. We break down each model’s features, strengths, and weaknesses so you can find the best lawn mower for your yard.
Top 10 lawn mowers – Reviews
1. Yardmax YG1650 – Best gas-powered push mower
The Yardmax YG1650 3-in-1 mower is durable, potent, and easy to handle, making it the best gas-powered push lawn mower. It has a 170-cc OHV engine, a heavy-duty stamped steel cutting deck, and a high-quality 21-inch blade. If you have a flat lawn up to one-half acre and like gas mowers, you’ll love the YG1650.
Although meagerly priced, it includes these impressive features:
- MAXFlow Deck Technology: Its spiral deck design improves airflow for fine mulching and a high-quality cut.
- Heavy-duty tires: It has high rear wheels, and all four tires have 1.5-inch treads and double ball bearings. The tires give the mower excellent maneuverability, even on uneven ground.
- Toolless air filter access: You can clean or change the air filter without using tools.
- Adjustable handlebar: Operators of various heights will find comfort with 3 possible handlebar positions.
As a result, Yardmax provides tremendous quality and value with their YG1650 21-inch lawn mower. Compare this model to our other top picks for the best gas lawn mowers.
Specifications
- Engine displacement: 170 cc
- Cutting width: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
- Fuel tank capacity: .21 gallons
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Max lawn size: ½ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Side discharge |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to adjust cutting height ✓ Foldable ✓ Easy to push ✓ Low-vibration deck ✓ Efficient | ✗ The air filter cover falls off easily |
Where to buy:
2. Ego Power+ LM2114 – Best battery-powered push mower
If you’re sick of oil changes, spark plugs, and smelly gas fumes, consider the best cordless electric push mower—the Ego Power+ LM2114. It’s low maintenance, quiet, and powerful enough to outperform most gas push mowers.
Ego’s an industry-leading manufacturer of battery-powered tools, and the secret to Ego’s success lies in its cutting-edge technology:
- ARC Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion): Ego has the top-rated battery platform due to their battery’s durability and performance. ARC Li-ion batteries have a shock-resistant design, and they rarely overheat. Additionally, Ego’s Intelligent Power Management System is highly efficient in maximizing battery performance.
- Brushless motor: The mower’s 56-volt ARC Li-ion battery combines with a high-efficiency brushless motor to give the LM2114 6 foot-pounds of cutting torque.
- Premium mulching blade: Slice and dice grass clippings to a fine pulp that quickly decomposes, feeding nutrients to the soil.
However, the LM2114 isn’t just powerful; it’s also comfortable and convenient with features like bright LED headlights, an adjustable handlebar, and a push-button start. It’s the ideal mower for carbon-conscious homeowners with flat lawns up to one-half acre, and it’s one of the best lawn mowers under $500.
If you’re interested in cordless electric mowers, compare the LM2114 to other top battery-powered mowers.
Specifications
- Battery: 56-volt, 6 Ah ARC Li-ion
- Cutting width: 20.5 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4 inches
- Warranty: 5 years
- Max runtime: 55 min.
- Weight: 60.25 pounds
- Max lawn size: ½ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Side discharge |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ High-performance ✓ Durable ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ No gas fumes | ✗ Batteries are expensive |
Where to buy:
3. Sun Joe MJ403E – Best corded electric mower
If you have a small lawn, consider the Sun Joe MJ403E. Not only is it the best corded electric lawn mower, but it’s also one of the best budget mowers for small yards. It has a mighty 13-amp motor and a high-performance 17-inch steel blade. The mower is lightweight, compact, and easy to push, making it great for yards with rugged terrain or elaborate landscaping.
Its features include:
- Large rear bag: You won’t have to stop mowing to empty it.
- All-terrain tires: Its heavy-duty tires are great for uneven lawns.
- Easy adjustments: It’s quick and easy to adjust its mowing height position or to switch from the bagger to the mulcher.
It’s a durable mower that’s low maintenance and easy to use as long as your entire lawn is no more than 100 feet from a power outlet. To see why the Sun Joe is the best corded electric mower, compare it to other top electric lawn mowers.
Specifications
- Amps: 13
- Cutting width: 17 inches
- Cutting heights: .98 – 2.87 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 31.5 pounds
- Max extension cord length: 100 feet
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Rear discharge |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to use ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ Unlimited runtime ✓ Low maintenance ✓ No gas fumes | ✗ Not good for tall grass ✗ Must be within 100 feet of an outlet |
Where to buy:
4. Remington RM3100 – Best reel lawn mower
Our top pick for reel lawn mowers is the Remington RM3100. We give it an A+ for functionality because it’s one of the few reel mowers that allows you to mulch clippings and collect them in a grass bag. Additionally, the RM3100 has sturdy construction, a comfortable foam grip, and nine handlebar positions.
Its precision deck has a 5-blade alloy steel reel that gives your grass a crisp, clean cut every time you mow. Its large front wheels smoothly move through flat lawns, but if you have a sloped yard, consider the Scotts 615-16S. Reel mowers are the most eco-friendly and lowest maintenance option for lawn care. See our other top picks for the best reel lawn mowers you can buy.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 18 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: 0.75 – 2.5 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 28.4 pounds
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Cutting height options | 9 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Precision cut ✓ Eco-friendly ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Ergonomic handle | ✗ Small grass catcher bag ✗ Takes effort to operate |
Where to buy:
5. Toro TimeMaster 21199 – Best gas-powered self-propelled mower
The Toro TimeMaster 21199 is the best gas lawn mower with a self-propelled drive system. It’s packed with the power and performance to quickly handle flat, sloped, or uneven lawns up to one acre. The 223-cc Briggs & Stratton OHV engine delivers an unbelievable 10 foot-pounds of cutting torque, making it one of the most potent walk-behind mowers on the market.
Lawn care becomes quick and carefree with these high-efficiency features:
- Dual-Force Cutting System: Two atomic gator blades give your lawn a professional-quality cut while mulching the clippings down to a super fine lawn fertilizer.
- Personal Pace: Toro’s self-propelled system intuitively syncs to your walking speed.
- Traction Assist: The added traction helps you control the mower on uneven ground.
- Extra wide deck: Its 30-inch durable steel deck covers a lot of ground in each pass.
It has many additional features, including a washout port, a foldable handle, and a safety feature that allows you to stop the blade while the engine still runs. If you have a medium to large yard, the TimeMaster 21199 will save you tons of time and effort while keeping your lawn pristine. Compare it to the other best self-propelled lawn mowers on the market.
Specifications
- Engine displacement: 223 cc
- Cutting width: 30 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4.25 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Fuel tank capacity: .3 gallons
- Weight: 140 pounds
- Max lawn size: 1 acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Side discharge |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
| Number of blades | 2 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ Powerful ✓ Advanced features ✓ Versatile ✓ Easy to use | ✗ Small fuel tank |
Where to buy:
6. Ego Power+ LM2167SP – Best battery-powered self-propelled mower
The best electric self-propelled lawn mower is the Ego Power+ LM2167SP 21-inch cordless mower. With Ego, you never have to sacrifice performance for clean energy. Its highly efficient brushless motor and 56-volt ARC Li-ion battery generate 8.3 foot-pounds of cutting torque. Thus, it can care for flat medium to large yards better than most gas mowers.
Ego is known for its cutting-edge technology, and they didn’t skimp on the LM2167SP. It’s full of industry-leading attributes, including:
- Select cut: Ego’s dual mower blade system includes 3 high-quality, interchangeable lower blades— a mulching blade, a high suction bagging blade, and an extended runtime blade.
- Speed IQ: Ego’s intuitive self-propelled system doesn’t use levers or knobs.
- Digital Display: It has a digital display that’s easy to read and includes battery level, blade speed, and self-propelled status.
- Turbo mode: The turbo mode is excellent for tall, thick grass or grass soiled with fall leaves.
The mower is easy to push, and the handlebar adjusts to three positions. It’s a low-maintenance, eco-friendly mower that quickly and comfortably mows up to an acre.
Specifications
- Battery: 56-volt, 12 Ah ARC Li-ion
- Cutting width: 20.5 inches
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4 inches
- Warranty: 5 years
- Max runtime: 90 min
- Charge time: 1.25 hours
- Weight: 79 pounds
- Max lawn size: 1 acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Side discharge |
| Cutting height options | 8 |
| Number of blades | 3 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Powerful ✓ Efficient ✓ Advanced features ✓ Versatile ✓ Low maintenance ✓ No gas fumes | ✗ Jerks on some turns |
Where to buy:
7. John Deere S140 – Best gas-powered lawn tractor
When you think of quality riding lawn mowers, John Deere is probably the first brand that comes to mind. So, it’s no surprise that the world’s top farm and lawn care power equipment manufacturer made our list with the John Deere S140. It’s by far the best lawn tractor on the market.
The S140 is comfortable, quick, and durable, with all the bells and whistles, including:
- Foot pedal-operated transmission: It gives you a car-like driving experience with infinite speeds.
- Comfortable seating: It’s ergonomic with a large user station, a non-slip footrest, a high-back seat with a spring suspension, and a cup holder.
- Easy maintenance: It has an easy-to-open hood, washout port, toolless oil draining, and toolless air filter access. It also has an hour meter to help you stay on top of the mower’s maintenance schedule.
- Sturdy construction: John Deere builds the sturdiest lawn tractors. The S140 has a one-piece cast iron front axle, a strong bumper, and a solid welded steel frame.
- John Deere’s CargO Mount System: Transform your tractor into other handy tools with attachments such as a mulching kit and snow plow.
With a 22 horsepower V-twin engine, it provides a precision cut and smooth driving experience on flat or hilly lawns up to two acres. Additional features include bright LED headlights and extra storage space.
Compare the S140 with other top riding lawn mowers.
Specifications
- Horsepower: 22 HP
- Cutting width: 48 inches
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.4 gallons
- Max lawn size: 2 acres
- Towing capacity: 500 pounds
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 5.5 mph |
| Max reverse speed | 3.2 mph |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes, but sold separately |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes, but sold separately |
| Discharge | Side |
| Cutting height options | 10 |
| Number of blades | 3 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Drives like a car ✓ Comfortable ✓ Spacious ✓ Fast ✓ Feature-packed ✓ Sturdy ✓ Made in USA | ✗ Fuel level is difficult to monitor while mowing |
Where to buy:
8. Greenworks Pro CRT428 – Best battery-powered lawn tractor
The Greenworks Pro CRT428 42-inch Residential Lawn Vehicle is the best battery-powered lawn tractor. Its brushless DirectDrive commercial-grade motor and 80-volt Lithium-ion batteries give it as much strength as a 24-horsepower gas engine. And due to the efficiency of Greenworks batteries, homeowners with up to 2 acres of flat lawn can get their yard mowed on a single charge.
You’ll love the tractor’s quality, speed, and convenience, with features including:
- Rear storage: Haul up to 200 pounds in its rear storage bin.
- Dual-port chargers: With the included chargers, you can fully charge the batteries within 1.25 hours.
- Fast cutting speed: Its premium blades quickly cuts at 17,000 FPM.
- Comfortable seat: It has an adjustable padded seat.
- Low-maintenance: Because it’s electric, it doesn’t require oil, filters, or belts.
The CRT428 is fast, powerful, low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and easy to start. Its additional features include LED headlights, front and rear attachment capability, and a cup holder.
Specifications
- Motor: Brushless, DirectDrive, 24-HP Equivalent
- Battery: 80-volt, 5 Ah Li-ion (6)
- Cutting width: 42 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 inches
- Warranty: 4 years
- Max runtime: 60 minutes
- Charge time: 75 minutes
- Max lawn size: 2 acres
- Towing capacity: 350 pounds
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 6 mph |
| Max reverse speed | 3 mph |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Transmission | Foot pedal electric drive |
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes, sold separately |
| Discharge | Side |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
| Number of blades | 2 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ Efficient ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Eco-friendly ✓ Fast charging | ✗ Doesn’t tow as much weight as competing gas models ✗ Not as sturdy as John Deere |
Where to buy:
9. John Deere Z515E – Best zero-turn mower
The best zero-turn mower is the John Deere Z515E ZTrak mower. It beats the competition in just about every category with superb comfort, performance, and durability. It has a 24-horsepower V-twin engine and a solid steel deck with easily accessible color-coded controls and smooth zero-turn capability. It’s the ideal mower for flat lawns with obstacles up to 5 acres.
It’s packed with high-end features, including:
- Ergonomic seating: Its motion-lever adjustable seat is very comfortable with spring suspension, armrests, a cup holder, and a ton of leg room. A rubber foot mat and foot pegs are sold separately.
- Accel Deep Cutting Deck: Made from forged steel, the deck delivers a high-quality cut with excellent durability and fast cutting speeds.
- ROPS (Rollover Protection System): When combined with the seat belt, ROPS protects the operator from injury. It prevents overturning and provides a protective zone around the user to prevent them from being crushed if the mower does overturn.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance: Lift the deck with a single lever and stay on top of the mower’s maintenance schedule with its hour meter. It also has a washout port for easy cleaning and the MowerPlus app for tips and maintenance reminders.
Overall, the Z515E is fast, powerful, and easy to use. If you have a very large yard, it will save you tons of time and effort. Our other top picks for the best zero-turn lawn mowers may also interest you.
Specifications
- Horsepower: 24 HP
- Cutting width: 54 – 60 inches
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4 inches
- Warranty: 5 years
- Fuel tank capacity: 4.5 gallons
- Max lawn size: 5 acres
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 8.5 mph |
| Max reverse speed | 4 mph |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel Drive |
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes, but sold separately |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes, but sold separately |
| Discharge | Side discharge |
| Cutting height options | 13 |
| Number of blades | 3 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ Durable ✓ High-performance ✓ Comfortable ✓ Advanced safety ✓ Made in the USA | ✗ Cutting height adjustments require your foot and hand ✗ The oil filter isn’t easy to access |
Where to buy:
10. Husqvarna Automower 415X – Best robotic lawn mower
If you want to mow your one-quarter to one-half acre lawn effortlessly, consider the Husqvarna Automower 415X. It’s super quiet and easy to use with self-installation and GPS-assisted navigation. You can schedule mowing and adjust its settings on your smartphone, and the 415X keeps your grass well-manicured during rain or shine.
The Husqvarna Automower 415X is our favorite robotic lawn mower. Its high performance is enabled by advanced technology, including the following:
- Systematic passage mowing ensures hard-to-reach areas are mowed.
- Planted guide wires lead the mower back to the charging station without assistance.
- Husqvarna AIM Technology creates a virtual map of your yard using GPS and sensor data. You can use the app to create various work zones with different mow heights and schedules.
It’s an excellent mower for homeowners who prefer the hands-off approach. If you’re interested in automatic lawn mowers, see the rest of our list of the best robotic mowers.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 8.7 inches
- Cutting heights: .8 – 2 inches
- Battery: 18-volt, 2 Ah Li-ion
- Runtime: 50 min.
- Warranty: 2 years
- Maximum slope: 40 degrees
- Max law size: ½ acre
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Quality cut ✓ Advanced mapping ✓ Effortless | ✗ Setting up the technology can be confusing for some users |
Where to buy:
Buyer’s guide to lawn mowers
Savvy shoppers know what to look for when purchasing a lawn mower. So, we put together a lawn mower buying guide that includes everything you need to know about the following:
Lawn mower types
You can choose from the following types of lawn mowers:
- Walk-behind mowers are lawn mowers you stand behind and walk as you mow. Self-propelled walk-behinds have a drive system that pushes them forward, while push mowers rely purely on human strength.
- Riding mowers are lawn mowers that have a seat for the operator. They include lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers.
- Robotic mowers are similar to robotic vacuums, except they mow instead of suck. Although they are expensive, there are many advantages to owning a robotic mower.
| Mower type | Typical lawn size |
| Push mower | < ½ acre |
| Robotic mower | < ½ acre |
| Self-propelled mower | < 1 acre |
| Lawn tractor | 1 – 3 acres |
| Zero-turn mower | 2 – 5 acres |
Power source
Lawn mowers run on one of the following types of power:
- Gas: Gas-powered lawn mowers give you the most bang for your buck, so they are great for large yards. But they are high-maintenance, loud, and emit toxic fumes.
- Battery: Battery-powered lawn mowers are quieter and more eco-friendly than gas, but only high-end battery models can compete with gas power. Although battery mowers are low maintenance, they have limited runtime, and lithium-ion batteries need replacing every few years.
- Corded electric: Consider a corded electric mower if your entire lawn is within 50 to 150 feet of a power outlet. They are more affordable than cordless electric lawn mowers and have unlimited runtime, but they are usually less potent with narrow cutting decks.
- Manual reel mowers: Most lawn mowers have a rotary blade powered by a gas engine or electric motor, but reel mowers cut like scissors, and human strength powers the blades. They are the most eco-friendly and give the most precise cut, but they also require the most work.
| Power source | Typical yard size |
| Gas | ¼ – 5 acres |
| Battery | ¼ – 2 acres |
| Corded electric | < ¼ acre |
| Manual | < ¼ acre |
Cutting height
Your lawn mower must cut your grass to its ideal mowing height. The table below shows recommended heights for common turfgrass.
| Grass type | Cutting height (inches) |
| Bermudagrass | 0.5 – 1.5 |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2 – 4 |
| Tall Fescue | 2 – 3 |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.5 – 1.5 |
Cutting width
The wider a mower’s cutting width, the more grass it mows with each pass. So, wider mowers are quicker to get the job done. However, narrow mowers are easier to maneuver.
If you have a small yard, a 16 to 21-inch mower is probably plenty. However, homeowners with one-acre yards usually prefer at least a 36-inch mower, and homeowners with multi-acre yards often choose 48 – 60 inch mowers.
See our lists of the best lawn mowers for small yards and the best lawn mowers for big yards to help you choose a lawn mower that’s just the right size for your property.
Additional features
Many homeowners enjoy lawn mowers with these helpful features:
- Mulching capability: Mulched grass clippings are an excellent fertilizer for your grass.
- Bagging attachment: If you don’t want to leave all the clippings on your lawn, bagging capability helps with cleanup.
- Easy maintenance: Some lawn mowers have features like toolless part access or an hour meter to help with maintenance.
- Comfort features: Walk-behind mowers with adjustable foam grip handles and riding mowers with padded spring suspension seats are more comfortable.
Cost
Most lawn mowers cost $115 to $3,070, depending on the type of mower, as shown in the table below.
| Average reel mower cost | $115 |
| Average walk-behind mower cost | $475 |
| Average riding mower cost | $3,070 |
| Average robotic mower cost | $1,320 |
FAQ about lawn mowers
The best lawn mowers for small yards include the following:
● Honda HRX217VKA
● Yardmax YG1650
● Remington RM3100
The best lawn mowers for big yards include the following:
● Toro TimeMaster 21199
● Cub Cadet CC800
● John Deere S140
● Greenworks Pro CRT428
● John Deere Z515E
The best lawn mowers under $300 include the following:
● Yardmax YG1650
● Sun Joe MJ403E
● Ryobi RYAC200
● Remington RM3100
● Worx WG779
We researched these outdoor power tools to find the best models:
● Leaf blowers: The best gas-powered leaf blowers include the Echo PB-2520 and Schröder SR-6400L, and the best battery-powered leaf blowers include the Ego Power+ SNT2112.
● String trimmers: The best gas string trimmer is the Husqvarna 128LD, and the best battery string trimmer is the EGO Power+ ST1502.
● Chainsaws: The best gas-powered chainsaw is the Husqvarna 460 Rancher.
● Snow blowers: The best snow blowers include the Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE and Ego Power+ SNT2112.
When to call a lawn care pro
If you want a lush lawn and well-manicured landscaping but don’t want to do all the hard work, you should hire a lawn care pro. Experienced professionals have the proper equipment and expertise needed to give your lawn that professionally maintained look. Best of all, routine lawn care is probably more affordable than you think, so get a free quote from a Lawn Love pro today.
Main Photo Credit: Magic K | Canva Pro | License (text overlay added with Canva Pro)
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